Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Teen going off meds after 2 years - Scared mom!

Sun, 03/17/2019 - 21:22
My 14 year old daughter had two seizures two years ago, when she was 12. She has taken lamictal twice a day since then and has done well. Her MRI was clear, and her EKGs at the time were normal. We are now nearing the time when her doctor says we can wean her off. While I see the benefits of this, and hope that going off the meds will help her be less “spaced out” all the time, I am terrified!! How do I get over the fear of the seizures returning?

Comments

I guess that it depends on

Submitted by Athena_5ce4563aba984 on Tue, 2019-05-21 - 16:21
I guess that it depends on what could be worse - the seizures or the side effects. I'm considering coming of my drugs because the side effects have been pretty awful on two drugs, and I am not even convinced that I have epilepsy. I also don't remember the seizure episode, as I was hospitalised with a lot of other problems and had amnesia.It could be a terrible mistake, but i think that I would learn more about my epilepsy if I wasn't on the drugs than I know now - what dose would be the minimum to keep things manageable, whether I could avoid seizure triggers, or manage things with natural treatments ... If you look at it in that way, it might seem a bit better, though I can understand you being scared, because I am. If it is done very slowly and carefully, it probably won't be the end of the world if seizures re-emerge - you can still have the option of the drugs to fall back on.

I have now had to give up on

Submitted by Athena_5ce4563aba984 on Thu, 2019-06-13 - 15:24
I have now had to give up on the lamotrigine as it made me very sick after a certain dosage. I've been told to come off it by 25mg per week, though I'm still on Keppra (increasing), which may affect the schedule. It was being increased by 25mg per fortnight, so the withdrawal is happening more quickly.

Hi Amy Jo, how did it go?? 

Submitted by Stivi on Sun, 2019-08-11 - 13:48
Hi Amy Jo, how did it go??  which medication was she on?

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.